Jobaaj Stories
Former Police Officer Jailed for Paddleboarding Deaths
Nerys Bethan Lloyd, a 39-year-old former police officer from Aberavon, Wales, received a 10-year and six-month prison sentence for the deaths of four people during a paddleboarding excursion. The tragic incident, which occurred on October 30, 2021, on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest, highlights the devastating consequences of gross negligence and a disregard for safety.
A Deadly Excursion
Lloyd, owner of the Salty Dog paddleboarding company, led a group of inexperienced paddlers through a dangerously treacherous section of the river, a flooded weir, despite weather warnings and flood alerts. Crucially, she provided no safety briefing, the participants lacked appropriate safety equipment, and Lloyd failed to gather next-of-kin details. Paul O'Dwyer, who assisted Lloyd, also perished in the incident, along with Andrea Powell, Morgan Rogers, and Nicola Wheatley. A conversation inadvertently recorded on Lloyd's phone later confirmed her admission of full responsibility.
Heartbreaking Testimony
The sentencing hearing included deeply moving statements from the victims' families. Theresa Hall, Morgan Rogers' mother, described the unbearable loss and her inability to forgive Lloyd. Darren Wheatley, Nicola Wheatley's husband, emphasized the avoidable nature of the tragedy and its lasting impact on their family. Their words painted a stark picture of the devastating human cost of Lloyd's negligence.
Failure of Safety and Judgment
The judge, Mrs Justice Dame Mary Stacey, criticized Lloyd's "abysmal" approach to safety, noting her prior training as a police officer and RNLI volunteer. The court found Lloyd's decision to lead the group through the weir was deliberate, prioritizing an "exciting route" over safety. This decision, coupled with the lack of essential safety measures, directly contributed to the tragic outcome.
Consequences and Reflection
Lloyd's sentence reflects the severity of her actions and the profound loss suffered by the families. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols, especially in potentially hazardous activities. The incident also raises questions about the regulation and oversight of adventure activity companies.
